You Have Billions of Germs Riding Shotgun. Take the Time to Disinfect Your Car

The COVID-19 virus has everyone focused on washing their hands, sanitizing surfaces before and after you use them, and wearing masks not only to protect yourself but others around you. However, most people don’t think about sanitizing your car because you are typically the only person in your vehicle. You have billions of different germs riding shotgun in your car as you go about your daily routine.

Carrying Germs

As you enter and exit your car or other vehicles, most people do not sanitize the surfaces you touch each time. It is essential to do a deep clean periodically to control exposure when you are in contact with germs. Vehicles are unique because there are many different surfaces, textures, and hiding places where germs can disappear. If you are a driver for a carpool or rideshare, it becomes critical for you to keep your car clean.

Using Safe Cleaners

Harsh chemicals that are effective in a business or home are not beneficial for the interior of a vehicle. Mildly corrosive cleaners can break down steering wheel covering, upholstery, leather, and discolor or damage control panels. Harsh cleaners can cause air pollutants in your vehicle’s cabin because it is in a small enclosed area.

When trying to clean and disinfect an area, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that you first clean dirty surfaces using soap and water and then try using a disinfecting agent. The United States Environmental Protection Agency lists over 500 different disinfectants that kill the COVID-19 pathogen. Find a disinfectant that won’t damage your upholstery or discolor fabrics.

Always follow the instructions listed on the bottle of the disinfectant. It is best to wear gloves, a face mask, and possibly safety glasses or something that will effectively protect you from eye irritation and chemical burns.

Areas to Concentrate When Cleaning

We spend a lot of time in our vehicles, and sometimes this includes food; due to the nature of driving, it is hard to keep track of everything you touch and what your passengers touch; focus on these areas when you are cleaning to utilize your time best.

• Take out floor mats, vacuum, and wash them.
• Vacuum all crevices and under seats.
• Wipe down seats and other surfaces with warm soapy water. Careful with the amount of water used when cleaning your seats. Leaving a seat wet for too long will encourage mold to grow.
• You can use 60 percent isopropyl alcohol on high-touch areas such as your steering wheel, window controls, handles, knobs, or in and around cup holders.
• Disinfect windows and mirrors with soap and water. You might be able to use a special window cleaner that specifically states that it disinfects.
• Clean and disinfect any ride-along items. If you are a driver that always has a car seat, gym bag, reusable shopping bags, or clothes that typically stay in your vehicle, take the time to clean, disinfect, or wash these items.